The Vampire's Mark 3: Cold Heir (Reverse Harem Romance)

by Rachel Jonas

  ***

  “Something troubling you?” Silas didn’t miss a thing. As I sat across the dining table from him, he read my mood much easier than I would have liked.

  Resting against my fist, I bottled my thoughts. “Everything’s fine,” I lied.

  His gaze lingered a moment longer, but then he dropped it.

  Levi reared back in his seat, wearing a cheeky grin I knew all too well. “So, tell us how things went last night.” He popped a grape into his mouth, waiting for me to share all the nitty-gritty details. Even if it hadn’t been for the quick glance he passed Silas, I still wouldn’t have missed that the statement was loaded.

  “We had a nice evening,” was all I freely shared.

  “Nice?” he pressed.

  “We had dinner overlooking the city, had an intriguing conversation during and after, and then we returned home around midnight.”

  His brow quirked. “And?”

  “And … we shared a bottle of champagne in her suite.” A brief flashback of the more intimate side of my evening with Corina had me reaching for the glass of water I’d been served.

  Observing me, the grin Levi wore widened. “Interesting.”

  He was digging. “It wasn’t anything particularly extravagant,” I countered with another lie, heading him off the subject.

  In truth, the night had cost a pretty penny. Securing the rooftop of a new high-rise, and pulling one of the city’s most sought after chefs from his restaurant, on his busiest night, wasn’t a small feat even for a prince.

  We all knew what Levi alluded to, but had yet to ask.

  “Oh, cut the crap,” he finally caved, realizing he’d get nowhere being subtle. Well … subtle-ish. “Just admit that you sealed the deal for Pete’s sake. Heck, it’s not like we didn’t all hear you two going at it anyway.”

  Silas’ brow quirked, confirming Levi’s claim. I should have guessed as much, though, with Corina being a bit of a screamer. Apparently, we hadn’t been as careful about keeping the noise down as we thought.

  “I counted twice,” Levi added with a smirk.

  Rubbing my chin, a smile I meant to keep to myself broke free. “Three, if you count the rooftop.”

  Levi was all ears now as he sat forward. “Don’t leave anything out.”

  “All right. That’s enough,” Silas cut in then. “I’m positive she wouldn’t appreciate being discussed like this.”

  Breathing a deep sigh of defeat, Levi settled back into his seat again. “Give it a rest, Si. We’re all bound—or soon to be bound—to the same woman. One we all have very strong, very real feelings for, which makes ‘sharing’ her, in every sense of the word, our new normal. Are we really expected to never discuss it?” He laughed a bit. “And maybe even compare notes on occasion?”

  When Silas nor I gave any response at all, Levi shook his head at us in disappointment.

  “Prudes. The both of you,” he declared. “I mean come on, Julian! In the very least we can agree the woman is maddening—both in and out of the sack—am I right?”

  The goal was to stay neutral as I sipped from my glass, but I was certain my expression only backed up his claim.

  “Precisely my point,” he answered, confirming I’d done just that. “Just know this, should either of you ever hear me in her suite, giving the old bedposts a shake, I’ll make no apologies for it in the morning.”

  “Glad to hear you boys are taking this all so seriously.”

  My drink sprayed from my mouth at the sound of my mother’s voice, prompting my brothers to instantly sit straighter in their seats as she sauntered into the dining room.

  “Good morning, Your Majesty,” Silas and Levi crooned in unison, laying it on thicker than usual, considering the conversation we’d just been caught having. Meanwhile, I coughed up the last of my water.

  She glanced over at me, and I was certain I wasn’t making the greatest impression.

  “Good morning, Mother,” I rasped. “You’re a bit early. My apologies. We weren’t expecting you so soon.”

  With her brow raised, she nodded. “Clearly.”

  Taking slow steps into the room, she glanced around as if expecting things to be different around here since her last visit from the main house several months ago.

  “Would you like something to eat,” I offered, standing to fetch her a plate.

  “That won’t be necessary,” she stated in that unnervingly poised tone she tended to take when handling business.

  “Well, certainly you’ll join us for a drink,” Levi offered, reaching for a glass.

  “Don’t bother. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only,” she made clear, leveling a dark look my way. “I’d like to meet your Doll, now. Alone.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Corina

  “Hurry,” Elle urged. “The empress isn’t known to be a patient woman.”

  While she spoke, I shoved my feet into the legs of my jeans, hopping to get into them quicker. Apparently, I’d been left out of the loop concerning the empress’ visit. Or perhaps she’d simply come unannounced. Either way, I’d already kept her waiting ten minutes since being told she wanted to meet me, and I didn’t exactly have high hopes it would go well.

  “Ok, I’m good,” I insisted, stopping Elle when she tried to fuss over my hair a little more. Straightening my blouse, I breathed deeply.

  I’d racked my brain since Elle barged in to tell me my presence had been requested, trying to figure out why she insisted we meet so urgently. It was possible that being summoned at the last minute was somewhat of a power play on the empress’ part, but I wouldn’t know that until I made it downstairs to read her in person.

  Elle rushed me down the stairs, forgetting that only one of us was an A.I. When she hung a quick right toward the parlor and study, instead of a left toward the dining room, I was confused.

  “Wait, I thought the guys were having brunch,” I whispered, feeling my brow tense.

  “They are,” she whispered back, “but the empress is waiting for you in Julian’s study. Apparently, she’d like to speak with you alone.”

  That odd feeling in the pit of my stomach spread throughout my entire body now.

  “Would have been nice if you had led with that,” I scolded.

  Now, not only was I meeting Julian’s mother for the first time—the empress, no less—but he wouldn’t be present as a buffer.

  Great. Just great.

  Elle slowed just outside the door, and I gave a nod when I was ready for her to open it. Holding my breath, I waited for the woman to come into view, and when she did, I still couldn’t breathe.

  I had never seen her up close, her striking features, and the porcelain skin that made the deep crimson of her eyes almost frightening. A pitch-black updo left her delicate features exposed, and despite knowing she could shift into a monster at any time, I only considered her beautiful.

  A weak smile was passed my way, and she adjusted the waist of the dramatic black skirt she wore with a stark-white blouse tucked inside.

  “Good morning, dear,” she greeted me. “You must be Corina.”

  My smile felt lopsided. “Good morning. I am.”

  Her crimson gaze swept over me from head to toe, and I was left with the overwhelming feeling that she wasn’t completely impressed with what she saw. All of a sudden—noting how the hem of her skirt fluttered across the rug with her steps—I wished I’d chosen something a bit more formal. Maybe even a different hairstyle. After all, she was completely glammed up despite the early hour. That was their way, though. Not really mine.

  “Sit,” she beamed, feigning a smile.

  We lowered into the two armchairs beside the fire, but I couldn’t quite get comfortable. Not sitting face-to-face with her, so the room filled with dead air.

  “It’s my understanding that you’ve made quite the impression on my son,” she quirked. “And the rest of the boys, too.”

  There was something in the way she said that, a snide undertone I didn
’t miss.

  I gave a nod. “I’m fond of them as well.”

  That look returned. “That’s nice.”

  The room suddenly became hot to me, so I began fidgeting a little. It wasn’t far from my thoughts that the woman kept a secret or two, according to Glenn anyway, and I could admit she was incredibly hard to read. Even now, as she stared wordlessly, I had no idea what she was thinking.

  There was this overpowering obligation to speak before things got too weird.

  “I’m glad you—”

  “What’s your business here?” she interrupted. The question caught me completely by surprise, causing me to sit before her with my mouth agape.

  “I … beg your pardon?”

  Her expression didn’t falter. “I’m dying to understand how all of this came about. You—a human, clearly well-versed in the Ianite way of life—just so happened to be perusing the gala that night? Just so happened to seduce my son, the next ruler of this Dynasty?” she accused. “Pardon me for thinking it’s all just a bit too … convenient.”

  I was breathless. No one had been quite so forward with me, but it shouldn’t have surprised me. If anyone was going to stand fearlessly on behalf of Julian, it would be his mother.

  “I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what you mean,” I admitted. It felt like she was asking several questions, all cloaked in one.

  “I’ve heard things,” she shared. “Theories on what you’re possibly involved in. So, I’m certain you understand my concern for what plans you have for my son.”

  Taking a deep breath, I centered my thoughts and focused. “I have no ulterior motives where Julian, or any of the princes are concerned. I’m simply here to complete the blood bond, and once that’s done, we’ll live out our lives together. I assure you my affection for them is all genuine, and our connection is surprisingly … normal,” I added, forcing a smile.

  However, she didn’t return the gesture, glaring instead. “Forgive me for not buying it.” The words were sharp enough to cut through stone. “And normal is the last thing I think you are.”

  With those dark, accusatory words, she reached into the pocket of her skirt, and pulled out a black key. Looped through the decorative, vintage head, was a matching ribbon. I’d seen ones like it before. The night of the gala, I spotted a cluster of Dolls seated near the bar, wearing them proudly—some as necklaces, others tied around their wrists and ankles. At the time, I intended to investigate the meaning behind them, but never got the chance. Things sort of took an unexpected turn that night, pushing the memory from my thoughts until now, as I stared at the one Empress Westower dangled from her fingertip.

  “It arrived for you this morning, hence the reason I requested that we meet.”

  “I’m sorry, but … I don’t understand what it—”

  “And therein lies the problem,” she interjected. “The women who hold these keys often don’t receive them until they’ve been vetted. They usually have been at their Master’s service for several years before these invitations arrive. Which is precisely why I find it hard to believe you were worthy of being recommended so soon,” she added, her jaw tense with anger. “Being invited into the Black Key Society isn’t to be taken lightly. These keys aren’t issued to just any and every Doll who spreads her legs for an Ianite man.”

  My nostrils flared with the comment, feeling insulted beyond words with what she insinuated. That I was merely a toy to be passed around among the princes, completely unaware of the emotional connection we all shared.

  “You can’t speak to me that way.”

  The words left my mouth before I could catch them. It was my intention to take whatever she had to say to me, for Julian’s sake, but I was simply not hardwired that way.

  Tilting her head, she smirked. “Now, see? That’s where you’re wrong. I have it on good authority that I can speak to you however I wish,” she declared. “And there isn’t a thing you can do about it.”

  Hold your tongue, Cori. They’re just words. Just her opinion.

  “You may have my son fooled, but my eyes are wide open,” she assured me, leaning forward to shove the key into my palm. “I’ll be watching you.”

  When she stood, grabbing the side of her skirt as it swept past my seat, I held my breath to keep from exploding. I listened as she stormed off, seeming to even forego speaking to her son as she left.

  Staring at the key I held, there were so many questions.

  What purpose did it serve?

  Who was this person she spoke of; the one who recommended me?

  My heart raced so fast I felt dizzy, my hands shook. Of all the surprises I’d gotten this past week, my first encounter with the empress of the Eastern Quadrant was certainly one I would never forget.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Corina

  Standing in the mirror, I breathed deep.

  Everything about today felt … off. Which was the last thing I needed, considering what lie ahead tonight. It started with the strange—and catty—encounter with the empress. It really got under my skin that she’d been able to rile me up, but there was also a certain sense of pride I felt for having held my composure. Even when Julian checked in with me afterward, I didn’t speak against the woman. As far as he knew, our meeting had been nothing but pleasant. I also decided something, the moment I saw how much the prospect of the two women in his life getting along meant to him—I wouldn’t disappoint him with the truth.

  For now, I’d just avoid the woman like the plague.

  My gaze shifted toward the dresser, where the key I received rested on a mirrored tray. I was no more certain of what it—or the society who issued them—symbolized than I was before. There were just two things which I knew to be indisputable. One was that the black keys were only issued by invitation; and two, for reasons the empress stated quite plainly, she didn’t think I was deserving of such a nomination.

  Who would have thought such a cantankerous woman could have such a thoughtful son.

  With what lie ahead of me, I opted to get dressed on my own tonight, without Elle’s assistance. While I enjoyed her company, I wouldn’t be much for conversation. Being careful not to make a mess of my makeup, I slipped a red dress over my head. I’d learned a thing or two from watching Elle and Liv fuss over me often enough with brushes, sponges, and tweezers that, apparently, some of it stuck.

  Silas and I had devised a plan and there was no room for deviation. To start, we needed the others to believe our outing this evening was merely a leisurely night of dinner and dancing. Little did they know, there’d be nothing leisurely about this evening.

  We spent the better part of the week discreetly finetuning our plan, with Silas being charged with the task of gathering the list of supplies I’d given him. They were presently stored in the trunk of a car he borrowed from Julian’s collection. Then, once we made it a good distance from the palace grounds, we’d change into more appropriate attire for a job of this caliber.

  To be honest, it felt good to be active again, making a difference again.

  Surprisingly, I wasn’t at all nervous. Not even with how much time had passed since I’d been out there, getting my hands dirty. I suppose I’d just slipped into what Liv liked to call my ‘grind mode’. That mindset usually consisted of keeping my thoughts clear, my emotions in check, and the bigger objective in mind as I charged toward it at full-steam.

  With tonight’s goal possibly being the most important I’d ever sought to achieve, my focus was razor sharp. In a sense, Silas and I were doing our small part to save humanity. Maybe the world as we knew it.

  His initial suggestion was that we simply sneak out this evening, avoiding any chance of fanfare from Julian and Levi altogether. While I mostly agreed that would be easier, I was keenly aware of the promise I made Levi while we were away. I assured him that I’d never sneak off again. And I may have been taking that vow a bit seriously, but it felt like this counted, too. It was bad enough that Silas and I were lying about our destination,
were concealing the grave nature of our mission, so I would at least offer the other princes the courtesy of knowing I’d be out for the night.

  Sliding my feet into a pair of gold, McNamara heels, I stepped out of my bedroom. Standing there, looking more handsome than I’d ever seen him, was Silas.

  The sight of him took my breath away.

  He leaned against the banister as he waited for me to emerge from my suite, wearing a tux that, on him, made my mouth water. When I approached, his staggering height made me feel small, forcing me to peer up to meet his mesmerizing gaze.

  Something about what we were doing tonight—embarking on this dangerous mission together, in secret, knowing we’d only have each other—was a huge turn-on. I hadn’t known many willing to face such extenuating circumstances, so knowing he didn’t seem to think twice about it intensified that feeling.

  My hand was taken into his, and I felt completely and undeniably safe with him. Together, we descended the stairs, and this time, when we reached the bottom, Levi waited alone.

  I smiled at him. Couldn’t help it.

  “What happened? Your partner in crime isn’t joining you?” I asked with a smile, noting that Julian wasn’t present.

  “Funny you should mention it.” The smirk he offered in return practically killed me. “He asked that you forgive him for leaving without saying goodbye. You were getting ready for the evening, and he didn’t want to disturb you. Empress Westower requested that he accompany her to a cocktail party tonight, due to the Emperor being unavailable to attend,” Levi explained.

  Just hearing him mention her made me want to spit fire.

  “Well, I hope he enjoys himself.” Pride swelled within me when I managed to speak of her without losing my composure.

  The large door was pulled ajar, and Silas escorted me through it. When he briefly left me to open the car door as well, Levi took over, offering his arm as we walked down the few cement steps.

  “Don’t get into too much trouble while you have the place to yourself,” I teased, smiling up at him. “I’ve seen the way some of the women here look at you.”